Why does Apple require a credit card to download free apps?

I'll add a caveat to what has been said elsewhere in the replies. I download free apps and I do not have a payment method on my account. The situation is more complex than a simple statement some present that you must always have a payment method. But the bottom line is if it is asking for a payment method to be present, you have to enter one. Read the support article Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support about how to do that.

Apple's official support articles present multiple statements* about situations requiring the presence of a payment method at times, even for free items. You do not always have to have one, but if you are encountering one of those situations then you have no option but to enter a valid payment method if you wish to continue your purchase. See Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support The payment method may not be charged if you also have account balance or the item is free, but the payment method has to be present. You might even be able to remove it again immediately once Apple has seen it.

This article lists valid payment methods for different countries but note that in this situation Apple Account balance alone apparently may not meet the requirement and you need to use another payment method until you find one that satisfies Apple's requirement (often a credit or debit card): Payment methods that you can use with your Apple Account - Apple Support .

If you have already entered a payment method, use the “Add a payment method” link above to check it. If a message appears in red there is a problem with it. If the information is still correct and current, contact your financial institution. Also check this resource --> If your payment method is declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

* Ref.:

Add a payment method to your Apple Account - Apple Support

"To make purchases from the App Store and use subscriptions like iCloud+ and Apple Music, you need at least one payment method on file." Note that there may be a differences between “purchasing” an app for money, and simply “getting” one for free. I get free ones with no payment method.

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

- "You might need to have a payment method on file, even if the app that you want to download is free."

If you can’t download or update apps on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

- If you have any active subscriptions, you must have at least one payment method on file other than Apple ID credit.

- You might not be able to remove a payment method if you have a balance due.

Sign in to your Apple Account on the web or in your device settings - Apple Support

- "When you sign in to the App Store and other media services for the first time, you might need to add a credit card or other payment information."

How apps, content, and subscriptions from Apple are billed - Apple Support

- You can’t charge gifts to your Apple ID balance. If you send a gift or gift card, your primary payment method is charged.

- Some subscriptions might not be charged to your Apple ID balance.

What you can buy with your Apple Gift Card or Apple Account balance - Apple Support

"Some purchases might require that you have a credit card on file, even if you use your Apple Account balance to make the purchase."

Welcome and thank you for reaching out. 🤗

The ability to complete an app purchase on the App Store requires a functioning payment method.

A payment method is often required for free apps to verify your identity, prevent fraud and ensure a streamlined process if you decide to make in-app purchases or purchase paid apps later.

It also helps companies manage age restrictions and regional content availability.

Check your payment method in Settings ➢ [your name] ➢ Payment & Shipping, ensure it’s valid and update if needed. Also, sign out and back into your Apple Account, then try again.

If it still fails, contact Apple Support directly.

Good Luck! 👋🏼😉

Smiliñ 😎 Brian | Community Volunteer

"Loading free apps: Why is it that Apple forces a credit card if you don’t want to enter one, it’s very predatory. Do I have to cancel all of my subscriptions to get away from the requirement,happy to do so. I’m trying to download an app while I wait for my new debit card to arrive in the mail and it doesn’t allow me to me to do so. I refuse to put money on my Apple Card, especially because the subscriptions aren’t due for payment yet. Looks to me like it’s just more corporate greed. "

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Changing the Method of Payment:

A. Add, then Delete.

You need at least one Method of Payment assigned to your account. This is because even free apps have their option for internal purchases. So, add the new method of payment, and then remove the one that is currently in there. Add a payment method to your Apple ID - Apple Support

B. If Declined:

Go Here: If your Payment Method is Declined in the App Store or iTunes Store - Apple Support

Consider PayPal, if an Option: Go Here: Payment Methods that you can Use with your Apple Account - Apple Support

No Success?

C. Contact Apple Support:

For Financial Assistance, Contact Apple Store Support. You need to contact Apple Support Directly. This is a User-to-User forum. We are all volunteers. So, as you may suspect, no one here has access to that information — and that is a good thing, BTW. That’s why for Financial Assistance, you need to contact Apple Support. They’ll see what’s going on and will run you through the fix. IMPORTANT: Perform a screensharing session with Apple to early troubleshoot this, as Appel will see this firsthand, from YOUR perspective. See my User Tip: Screensharing your iPhone to Converse with Apple Support: - User Tip

Apple Contact Info:

• Contact Us - Choose Locations
• Proceed from there, as necessary

Hello~ Apple makes its own decisions and we are fellow forum members just as you are. Perhaps you should consider contacting Apple?

Contact Apple Support - Apple Support

~Katana-San~